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Warm Road Trips from Seattle

Seattle’s endless gray drizzle and short winter days have inspired many a road trip south. Chase the sun down the Pacific Coast or cut inland through the desert Southwest — either way, these drives deliver warmth and blue skies.

Seattle to Southern California via the Pacific Coast

Seattle → Portland → Redwoods → San Francisco → Big Sur → Los Angeles → San Diego

The ultimate West Coast road trip. Drive through ancient redwood forests, across the Golden Gate Bridge, along the dramatic cliffs of Big Sur, and into the perpetual sunshine of Southern California.

Best for: Scenic drives & coastal beautySeason: Year-round (best Apr–Oct)Drive time: ~20 hours total

Seattle to Phoenix & Scottsdale

Seattle → Boise → Salt Lake City → Las Vegas → Phoenix → Scottsdale

Cut through the interior West to the warm, sun-soaked desert of Arizona. Phoenix’s winter temps average in the 70s, and Scottsdale adds world-class spas, golf, and dining to the mix.

Best for: Desert warmth & luxury resortsSeason: Nov–AprDrive time: ~21 hours total

Seattle to San Diego — Sun & Surf

Seattle → Sacramento → Fresno → Bakersfield → Los Angeles → San Diego

Take the fast inland route through California’s Central Valley to reach San Diego’s year-round perfect weather, world-class tacos, and laid-back beach culture faster.

Best for: Beach culture & warm weatherSeason: Year-roundDrive time: ~18 hours total

Seattle to Las Vegas & the Desert Southwest

Seattle → Boise → Twin Falls → Las Vegas → Sedona → Tucson

Drive south through the dramatic landscapes of Idaho and Nevada to Las Vegas, then continue to the red-rock beauty of Sedona and the warm desert of Tucson.

Best for: Desert landscapes & adventureSeason: Oct–AprDrive time: ~18 hours to Las Vegas

Seattle to Palm Springs

Seattle → Portland → Redding → Sacramento → Palm Springs

Head south through Oregon and California to the chic desert oasis of Palm Springs. Mid-century modern architecture, hot springs, and winter temperatures in the 70s await.

Best for: Desert relaxation & mid-century styleSeason: Nov–AprDrive time: ~17 hours total